The Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT) Announces New President & CEO

FOR RELEASE JUNE 2, 2026

Carefree, Arizona – The Board of Directors of Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT) is thrilled to

announce they have hired a new President & CEO, Raena Kamakahi.

“As we celebrate our 35th Anniversary,” said Chair of the Board Bill Oelman, “it is a

momentous time to welcome a new leader for the Land Trust.”

Kamakahi, who was born in Hawaii and has Arizona roots, brings a strong commitment to protecting land and natural resources for future generations. For the past three years, she

served as Conservation Project Manager at the New Mexico Land Conservancy, where she

advanced projects that safeguarded critical Southwest land, water and wildlife habitat.

“It is an honor to join the team at DFLT,” said Kamakahi. “The Sonoran Desert is an

incomparably beautiful and ecologically significant region, and the opportunity to build on the long-term efforts of this community to preserve its life and character in northern Maricopa County speaks to my deep passion for stewarding land for people and nature.”

Kamakahi will assume her leadership role on Monday, June 15.

“We were looking for a unique set of skills combined with a passion for the desert,” said

Board Member Nancee Wildermuth, who chaired the Search Committee. “And we could not be happier to find someone like Raena who fits the position so well.”

Kamakahi arrives at the same time that DFLT is beginning a new initiative in partnership with the Town of Cave Creek to preserve more than 4,000 acres of pristine Sonoran habitat. The Town aims to purchase Arizona State Trust Land for the purpose of preserving open space that defines the character of the Town. DFLT will assist the Town in raising private donations to support the acquisition, expected in the next couple of years.

In addition to her tenure in New Mexico, Kamakahi spent several years in the Pacific

Northwest, working to ensure healthy watersheds, including critical habitat for Pacific salmon. She holds a degree in Environmental Science from Western Washington University

and a master’s degree in Natural Resource Stewardship from Colorado State University. She also has experience ensuring compliance with standards set by the Land Trust Alliance, which accredits DFLT for its land trust practices and performance. Her expertise will support DFLT’s continued commitment to excellence, accountability, and lasting land protection.

The Board conducted a three-month nationwide search with the assistance of The Duffy

Group, a local executive search firm. The search began after long-time President & CEO

Vicki Preston left the post in January for a conservation position in Ohio.